This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 5/31/2012.
Fight of the Century was the promotional nickname given to the first boxing match between champion Joe Frazier (26-0, 23 KOs) and challenger Muhammad Ali (31-0, 25 KOs), held on March 8, 1971, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The fight itself became something of a symbol of the country. Leading up to the fight, Ali (who had denounced the Vietnam War) had refused induction into the U.S. Army in 1967, leading to his being stripped of his title and barred from fighting for three years. Ali became a symbol of the anti-establishment movement, while Frazier became a symbol of the conservative, pro-war movement. Smokin Joe defeated Ali in the 15th round by UD. 25” x 371/2” poster depicts Ali (gloveless) face to face with Frazier (gloved) The top of the poster reads “JOE FRAZIER vs. MUHAMMAD ALI. The bottom reads “Drawings by LeRoy Neiman / Design by Edward Marson” with “LeRoy Neiman” signature in bottom right. Poster is in NM condition overall.